Scottish government's legislative programme debate 1

Opposition party leaders and MSPs debated the Scottish government's legislative programme for the coming year on 3 September 2013.

There will be thirteen new bills including measures to overhaul the civil courts, introduce a licensing system for air weapons and end the right to buy for council tenants.

The programme will also set up Revenue Scotland, a new body to administer devolved taxes.

The first minister announced that automatic early release from prison would be abolished for some of the most serious violent and sexual offenders.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont attacked Alex Salmond over the Scottish Government's new legislative programme saying it was clear his priority was "just a referendum on independence" and that "Scotland is on pause".

Ms Lamont accused the first minister of a "denial of his responsibilities".

Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, said the governance of Scotland was all but on hold because of the SNP's obsession with independence.

Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, again said the first minister Scotland should follow the example of England on early education before the age of three years old.

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